The following thread is intended to assist those looking to purchase property in Zimbabwe

When buying stands the first point of call is council, then deeds office and surveyor general
Ask for the following documents and information
1. Subdivision permit- issued after layout plans have been approved

2. Development Permit - issued after engineering designs have been approved by Council Engineers
3. Dispensation Certificate - issued after title survey have been approved by Surveyor General
4. Certificate of Compliance- issued by council

5. Title deed of the property(title deed gives the legal name of the property which can be verified by the Registrar of Deeds for $1RTGS l, including the person who owes the property or stand) or Offer letter from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works & National Housing

(this can be verified by the Department of Stateland or Department of Physical Planning)
6. If he/she holds an offer letter from Ministry of Lands be suspicious because he/she needs no get a change of use permit from say agriculture to residential/housing, then layout has to be

approved by Dept of Physical Planning
7. NB Only 2 Local Authorities are allowed to give subdivision permits (at this point in time) without passing through the Ministry of Local Government, that is City of Harare and City of Bulawayo only.

If he/she fails to produce these when you request for them then It’s highly likely that project or development is not compliant and you might be duped. Even if he/she tries to persuade you that we will be done with all the paperwork soon, just walk away.

We all know that investment in Real Estate (Buildings) in one of the best investment one can ever make in life. So be observant and analytical. Don’t leave any stone unturned. Do multi-source verifications. Don’t be given a contact person by them.

Visit and call the government and local authorities offices. Visit the their websites. Most councils are now online, even Deeds office has a online portal for inquiries about deeds(but you have to know the name of the property as it is on the title deed)

Feel free to contact us and we will gladly provide any relevant advice or assistance